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Vanished from Dust #1
Vanished from Dust
This is an ACE of ASIN:B00FBZXMHW Vanished from Dust, # 1
Vanished from Dust, Book 1
A CHILL RUNS THROUGH HIS SKIN AS THE PHANTOM APPEARS.
HE SEES THEM EVERYWHERE . . .
Eric Stark is not insane. Or at least he doesn’t think so. He wishes everyone in Dust, Texas, felt the same way. But that’s not going to happen since the whole town thinks he’s crazy. Why didn’t he keep his mouth shut?
No one understands. Eric is alone as he battles his sanity in a town of tormenters. Suddenly a new friendship emerges after the new kid, Kyle Barrett, moves to town.
Eric reluctantly reveals his secret. Is it a curse or a gift? He isn’t certain, but with Kyle by his side he finds the courage to seek the truth.
They soon realize that something sinister is descending on the residents of Dust.
Is it caused by Eric’s phantoms or is it something else? Is it connected to the mysterious death of hundreds of townspeople over sixty years ago? One thing is certain—only Eric and Kyle can save them.
They set out on a heart-pounding adventure and find themselves transported to a disturbed and deserted version of their small southern town. They quickly discover that this new world has mysteries of its own to uncover. What they find could prove more than they bargained for, and it only leads to more questions. Eric and Kyle must face a horrifying fact—they may never get out alive.
“We’re gonna die here,” Kyle muttered.
“I don’t believe that,” Eric said. “And neither do you.”
Will they survive their encounter with these dark and mysterious beings?
Will they find a way back home?
Or will they be lost forever?
The Vanished from Dust series is perfect for anyone who craves a hair-raising thriller packed with mystery and suspense. This paranormal story for young adults can be compared to Stand by Me, mixed with Odd Thomas, and a twist of The Dark Tower.
Vanished from Dust, Book 1
A CHILL RUNS THROUGH HIS SKIN AS THE PHANTOM APPEARS.
HE SEES THEM EVERYWHERE . . .
Eric Stark is not insane. Or at least he doesn’t think so. He wishes everyone in Dust, Texas, felt the same way. But that’s not going to happen since the whole town thinks he’s crazy. Why didn’t he keep his mouth shut?
No one understands. Eric is alone as he battles his sanity in a town of tormenters. Suddenly a new friendship emerges after the new kid, Kyle Barrett, moves to town.
Eric reluctantly reveals his secret. Is it a curse or a gift? He isn’t certain, but with Kyle by his side he finds the courage to seek the truth.
They soon realize that something sinister is descending on the residents of Dust.
Is it caused by Eric’s phantoms or is it something else? Is it connected to the mysterious death of hundreds of townspeople over sixty years ago? One thing is certain—only Eric and Kyle can save them.
They set out on a heart-pounding adventure and find themselves transported to a disturbed and deserted version of their small southern town. They quickly discover that this new world has mysteries of its own to uncover. What they find could prove more than they bargained for, and it only leads to more questions. Eric and Kyle must face a horrifying fact—they may never get out alive.
“We’re gonna die here,” Kyle muttered.
“I don’t believe that,” Eric said. “And neither do you.”
Will they survive their encounter with these dark and mysterious beings?
Will they find a way back home?
Or will they be lost forever?
The Vanished from Dust series is perfect for anyone who craves a hair-raising thriller packed with mystery and suspense. This paranormal story for young adults can be compared to Stand by Me, mixed with Odd Thomas, and a twist of The Dark Tower.
324 pages, ebook
First published September 20, 2013
7 people are currently reading
595 people want to read
About the author
Shea Norwood
1 book47 followersShea Norwood is an emerging author and native of West Texas that currently lives in Lubbock with his wife and son.
He was drawn to writing at an early age and recently rekindled this passion after dusting off a decade-old manuscript, titled Vanished from Dust. Of course, after ten years of collecting dust, (no pun intended) the story needed a lot of work. The fictional town of Dust is loosely based on a small town south of Odessa, TX.
Shea writes Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal/Mystery.
Readers can learn more at his Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/sheanorwoodauthor, or by
following Shea on Twitter @Sheanorwood
He was drawn to writing at an early age and recently rekindled this passion after dusting off a decade-old manuscript, titled Vanished from Dust. Of course, after ten years of collecting dust, (no pun intended) the story needed a lot of work. The fictional town of Dust is loosely based on a small town south of Odessa, TX.
Shea writes Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal/Mystery.
Readers can learn more at his Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/sheanorwoodauthor, or by
following Shea on Twitter @Sheanorwood
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 19, 2015
I received a free audible code for the audiobook version for an honest review: Vanished from Dust is an interesting story populated with characters we barely understand and don't know enough about to root for. Some of the dialogue is very basic and is populated by he said, he said, he said to the point where it was distracting. Without giving too much away, some of the concepts and language used seemed above the ages of the main characters. I think the main idea of the story is really cool and there are parts in this book that are so interesting that I would have loved this book and would love to read the sequel if the rest of it was fleshed out a little bit more effectively. The Audiobook version is not well executed with not only the main characters names coming straight out of South Park, I feel like some of the dialogue and the sound of the voices the narrator used came out of South Park as well. Why did we meet Josh the fat kid and spend so much time on him if he is not important? The end was also very abrupt. I'll take a pass on the next one.
Read
December 27, 2014DNF at 55%. I have to put this down. To be honest its been so boring and Ive struggled to even get that far. Listened to the audio and found myself drifting at so many parts. Its a definite DNF.
April 28, 2015
VANISHED FROM DUST - Book One
Author: Shea Norwood
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: David Dietz
Length: 6 hours, 59 minutes
Production Date: November 25, 2014
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Shea Norwood
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Its the 1980s. Nintendo is the newest thing and small towns are still considered safe places for kids to roam free. Eric and Kyle are in the eighth grade and are best friends.
Kyle had only moved to Dust, Texas the previous year. Eric had received the nickname "Crazy Train" several years earlier and was bullied and friendless until Kyle moved to town. On Kyle's first day of school he had stood up for Eric when the school bully was taunting him. The two boys have been inseparable ever since.
Eric hasn't seen them in a while, but for years he has seen phantoms with red eyes. No one else can see them. He had made the mistake of telling people about them when he was in third grade and that is when he earned the horrible nickname.
After not seeing the phantoms for years, Eric is suddenly seeing them with alarming regularity.
What are they? Why doesn't anyone else see them? What do they want? What can Eric do about them?
This audiobook is targeted at a Young Adult/Middle School audience and I think the author has done a terrific job. Not only is it a much better story than I had expected, but since I am a child of the 1980s (born in the 70s) I enjoyed the references to the fads and styles of my youth. Remember leg warmers and banana clips? I do.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and listeners will want to know what happens to Eric and Kyle next. I know I will be adding the second book to my "To Listen" list.
Narrator David Dietz is a whiz with separate voices. The listener is able to easily distinguish not only between characters, but also between the characters and the narrator's portions of this audiobook. Lately I have listened to a few books by this narrator and I have been pleased with the performance every single time. I rate the narration as 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The book itself deserves a 4 star rating when taking into account the intended audience. I truly believe that Young Adult and Middle Grade listeners will LOVE this series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shea Norwood is an emerging talent in the world of writing books. He lives in West Texas and you can find out more about him at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Readers can learn more at his Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/sheanorwoodauthor, or by
following Shea on Twitter @Sheanorwood
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
David W. Dietz is a writer, actor, director and producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For more information about this narrator or his production company visit: http://dietzthethird.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
Author: Shea Norwood
Type of Book: Audiobook - Unabridged
Narrator: David Dietz
Length: 6 hours, 59 minutes
Production Date: November 25, 2014
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Shea Norwood
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
* I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Its the 1980s. Nintendo is the newest thing and small towns are still considered safe places for kids to roam free. Eric and Kyle are in the eighth grade and are best friends.
Kyle had only moved to Dust, Texas the previous year. Eric had received the nickname "Crazy Train" several years earlier and was bullied and friendless until Kyle moved to town. On Kyle's first day of school he had stood up for Eric when the school bully was taunting him. The two boys have been inseparable ever since.
Eric hasn't seen them in a while, but for years he has seen phantoms with red eyes. No one else can see them. He had made the mistake of telling people about them when he was in third grade and that is when he earned the horrible nickname.
After not seeing the phantoms for years, Eric is suddenly seeing them with alarming regularity.
What are they? Why doesn't anyone else see them? What do they want? What can Eric do about them?
This audiobook is targeted at a Young Adult/Middle School audience and I think the author has done a terrific job. Not only is it a much better story than I had expected, but since I am a child of the 1980s (born in the 70s) I enjoyed the references to the fads and styles of my youth. Remember leg warmers and banana clips? I do.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and listeners will want to know what happens to Eric and Kyle next. I know I will be adding the second book to my "To Listen" list.
Narrator David Dietz is a whiz with separate voices. The listener is able to easily distinguish not only between characters, but also between the characters and the narrator's portions of this audiobook. Lately I have listened to a few books by this narrator and I have been pleased with the performance every single time. I rate the narration as 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The book itself deserves a 4 star rating when taking into account the intended audience. I truly believe that Young Adult and Middle Grade listeners will LOVE this series.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Shea Norwood is an emerging talent in the world of writing books. He lives in West Texas and you can find out more about him at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Readers can learn more at his Facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/sheanorwoodauthor, or by
following Shea on Twitter @Sheanorwood
ABOUT THE NARRATOR:
David W. Dietz is a writer, actor, director and producer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For more information about this narrator or his production company visit: http://dietzthethird.com
To read more of my reviews visit http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
Follow me on Twitter @Amieroger
October 18, 2014
I was first attracted to this book by the opening – I tend to identify with children who have something “different” about them and are bullied in consequence (I can’t think why!). I also thought the name of the town was clever, with its echo of “ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. Then the seeing of phantoms and a parallel dimension in which aliens could interact with humans unbeknown to most of them reminded me of Stephen King’s Insomnia (one of my favourite books by him).
I confess to finding the first half of the story a “slow” burn, with Eric’s ‘sightings’ and attempts to find out more about what he was occasionally seeing and sensing not apparently getting him very far. I also struggled to suspend disbelief in his ability to be able to stay awake throughout so many nights: but told myself that maybe that went with his extra sensory perception as a ‘Servator’… His friend Kyle had the same ability (as well as a predilection for sometimes behaving in pretty unacceptable, anti-social ways): so it was a relief when they were both finally sucked into the alien dimension and the story picked up pace…
The first half of the book then made more sense as Eric began to piece together the evidence for the existence and intentions of these very unpleasant beings from goodness knows where; though as a reader I was still pretty mystified about the mechanics. The boys then somehow stumble – as much by luck as by judgement - towards an opportunity to throw a spanner into the dimensional interface space/time continuum works, resulting in the alien technology spewing them out…where and when? Why, there’s the hook to lure you into Book 2…
For a British reader it was fascinating to spend time in this small, fictional, Texas town. The references to unpleasant bodily fluids combined with the smell of grease from the fast-food outlets and the nearness of guns gave me a sense of a pretty poor town with a hand-to-mouth everyday existence, and a sadly fragile grip on the history and cultural heritage of the richest nation in the world. Vanished from Dust is an intriguing read on a number of levels (exploring more of an American Nightmare than the American Dream), and I recommend (though clearly not without some reservation) that you try it for yourself.
I did find it interesting that before this review there were none in the amazon.co.uk kindle store, whereas the amazon.com kindle store has 33 reviews, 27 of them @ 5*. I don’t know whether differences in culture, language and expectation have anything to do with that curious dichotomy; but I hope I may have sparked off a little interest in the series over here!
I confess to finding the first half of the story a “slow” burn, with Eric’s ‘sightings’ and attempts to find out more about what he was occasionally seeing and sensing not apparently getting him very far. I also struggled to suspend disbelief in his ability to be able to stay awake throughout so many nights: but told myself that maybe that went with his extra sensory perception as a ‘Servator’… His friend Kyle had the same ability (as well as a predilection for sometimes behaving in pretty unacceptable, anti-social ways): so it was a relief when they were both finally sucked into the alien dimension and the story picked up pace…
The first half of the book then made more sense as Eric began to piece together the evidence for the existence and intentions of these very unpleasant beings from goodness knows where; though as a reader I was still pretty mystified about the mechanics. The boys then somehow stumble – as much by luck as by judgement - towards an opportunity to throw a spanner into the dimensional interface space/time continuum works, resulting in the alien technology spewing them out…where and when? Why, there’s the hook to lure you into Book 2…
For a British reader it was fascinating to spend time in this small, fictional, Texas town. The references to unpleasant bodily fluids combined with the smell of grease from the fast-food outlets and the nearness of guns gave me a sense of a pretty poor town with a hand-to-mouth everyday existence, and a sadly fragile grip on the history and cultural heritage of the richest nation in the world. Vanished from Dust is an intriguing read on a number of levels (exploring more of an American Nightmare than the American Dream), and I recommend (though clearly not without some reservation) that you try it for yourself.
I did find it interesting that before this review there were none in the amazon.co.uk kindle store, whereas the amazon.com kindle store has 33 reviews, 27 of them @ 5*. I don’t know whether differences in culture, language and expectation have anything to do with that curious dichotomy; but I hope I may have sparked off a little interest in the series over here!
November 25, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Vanished from Dust is an interesting, suspenseful YA paranormal mystery novel with a few surprising twists. I was eager to read it from the moment I read the synopsis, and needless to say, I wasn’t dissapointed.
Eric, our protagonist, sees things that can’t be real. The other people in town think he’s insane though, and they try to stay as far away from him as possible. All, except Kyle, the new kid in town, who wants to befriend Eric, and who convinces his new friend they must get to the bottom of this mystery and find out the truth about Dust, about the hundreds of town people who disappeared in mysterious circumstances over sixty years ago, and about how it’s connected to the phantoms Eric sees now.
Their search for the truth has them trapped in a disturbed, deserted version of Dust, where nothing is what it seems, and danger lurks around every corner. This version of Dust is slightly reminiscent of Silent Hill, and brought back all the memories I had from playing that game. The author manages to paint a vivid, scary setting and describes it in such detail the reader can easily imagine what’s happening.
I had goose bumps several times while reading, not because I was afraid, but because I did feel a thrill. The book starts out a little slow, which isn’t a bad thing though, it gives the reader time to connect with the characters. But once the first few chapters are done, the pace picks up significantly and races on until the end. A great book, recommended to mystery fans and young adults.
Vanished from Dust is an interesting, suspenseful YA paranormal mystery novel with a few surprising twists. I was eager to read it from the moment I read the synopsis, and needless to say, I wasn’t dissapointed.
Eric, our protagonist, sees things that can’t be real. The other people in town think he’s insane though, and they try to stay as far away from him as possible. All, except Kyle, the new kid in town, who wants to befriend Eric, and who convinces his new friend they must get to the bottom of this mystery and find out the truth about Dust, about the hundreds of town people who disappeared in mysterious circumstances over sixty years ago, and about how it’s connected to the phantoms Eric sees now.
Their search for the truth has them trapped in a disturbed, deserted version of Dust, where nothing is what it seems, and danger lurks around every corner. This version of Dust is slightly reminiscent of Silent Hill, and brought back all the memories I had from playing that game. The author manages to paint a vivid, scary setting and describes it in such detail the reader can easily imagine what’s happening.
I had goose bumps several times while reading, not because I was afraid, but because I did feel a thrill. The book starts out a little slow, which isn’t a bad thing though, it gives the reader time to connect with the characters. But once the first few chapters are done, the pace picks up significantly and races on until the end. A great book, recommended to mystery fans and young adults.
November 16, 2014
my link text
Summary (in my words)
This is a story about a fourteen year old boy from Texas, called Eric. Eric isn’t your ‘usual, normal’ child and is constantly bullied by others at his school. One day he is being beaten by a bully when the new boy at school, Kyle steps in to defend Eric. From this point on they become instant friends, but Eric is hiding something from his one and only friend.
Eric is different. He can see and communicate with ghosts.
One night (while Kyle is sleeping over at Eric’s) they decide to play ‘Knock Knock’ when they should be in bed. Once they know Eric’s parents are asleep they sneak out and start knocking on neighbours doors and then hide so they can watch to see if anyone comes out. When one neighbour answers the door holding a shotgun, this scares them so they decide to run.
While running a safe distance from the gun wielding neighbour, Eric notices a shadowy figure at the door of the abandoned theatre.
Soon they both come to the conclusion that there is something not right going on in their home town and they decide to try and solve it.
Eric convinced he did see something in the abandoned theatre, the pair decides to investigate.
While investigating, strange shadowy, dark beings appear around them. The questions I will leave you with is; Are they safe? Will they survive? And are they going to get to the bottom of the strange occurrences that has been going on in their home town?
My Thoughts
Eric is a very special child with an amazing gift that first presented itself at the age of eight, which unfortunately isn’t understood by anyone which makes him an outcast. Having the ability to see phantoms/shadows/demons/dark creatures (depending on what you call them) means he has gone through a rather unpleasant childhood (only 14 at this point), which has included ridicule and beatings from bullies and having his parents sending him to a ‘specialist’.
The book starts with Eric and his “friend” Josh walking to school together. This is not a friendship but is an arrangement set up by Eric’s mum. Once they are far enough away, they go their separate ways.
Kyle is the new boy of the school and when he witnesses Eric being beaten, he steps in and defends him. Immediately, they realise they are similar in many ways (especially when it comes to creating mischief and playing video games) and become instant best friends. They become inseparable.
When they play their favourite mischievous game of ‘knock, knock’, Eric notices a figure standing inside the abandoned theatre in front of the door. At this point Eric has had it. The only other person who understands what he sees is the town drunk. This is when Kyle and Eric decide to investigate (Eric mainly wants to know once and for all if he is crazy like everyone thinks he is or whether what he is seeing is real).
My Rating
Although, I found this book a little bit slow to start with, it most definitely picked up. I found the characters very likeable and a perfect match for one another, they were more like true brothers than just friends.
For this reason, I would rate this book an overall 4 (although the beginning for me would be rated at about a 3 to 3.5. As the book progressed as the story went on and became extremely fascinating - this is why I rate it an overall 4)
For more book reviews and info on authors, their books and where to follow them (as well as the occasional book related youtube video) go over to my book blog now - http://ailsahindhaughabookworm4life.w...
Summary (in my words)
This is a story about a fourteen year old boy from Texas, called Eric. Eric isn’t your ‘usual, normal’ child and is constantly bullied by others at his school. One day he is being beaten by a bully when the new boy at school, Kyle steps in to defend Eric. From this point on they become instant friends, but Eric is hiding something from his one and only friend.
Eric is different. He can see and communicate with ghosts.
One night (while Kyle is sleeping over at Eric’s) they decide to play ‘Knock Knock’ when they should be in bed. Once they know Eric’s parents are asleep they sneak out and start knocking on neighbours doors and then hide so they can watch to see if anyone comes out. When one neighbour answers the door holding a shotgun, this scares them so they decide to run.
While running a safe distance from the gun wielding neighbour, Eric notices a shadowy figure at the door of the abandoned theatre.
Soon they both come to the conclusion that there is something not right going on in their home town and they decide to try and solve it.
Eric convinced he did see something in the abandoned theatre, the pair decides to investigate.
While investigating, strange shadowy, dark beings appear around them. The questions I will leave you with is; Are they safe? Will they survive? And are they going to get to the bottom of the strange occurrences that has been going on in their home town?
My Thoughts
Eric is a very special child with an amazing gift that first presented itself at the age of eight, which unfortunately isn’t understood by anyone which makes him an outcast. Having the ability to see phantoms/shadows/demons/dark creatures (depending on what you call them) means he has gone through a rather unpleasant childhood (only 14 at this point), which has included ridicule and beatings from bullies and having his parents sending him to a ‘specialist’.
The book starts with Eric and his “friend” Josh walking to school together. This is not a friendship but is an arrangement set up by Eric’s mum. Once they are far enough away, they go their separate ways.
Kyle is the new boy of the school and when he witnesses Eric being beaten, he steps in and defends him. Immediately, they realise they are similar in many ways (especially when it comes to creating mischief and playing video games) and become instant best friends. They become inseparable.
When they play their favourite mischievous game of ‘knock, knock’, Eric notices a figure standing inside the abandoned theatre in front of the door. At this point Eric has had it. The only other person who understands what he sees is the town drunk. This is when Kyle and Eric decide to investigate (Eric mainly wants to know once and for all if he is crazy like everyone thinks he is or whether what he is seeing is real).
My Rating
Although, I found this book a little bit slow to start with, it most definitely picked up. I found the characters very likeable and a perfect match for one another, they were more like true brothers than just friends.
For this reason, I would rate this book an overall 4 (although the beginning for me would be rated at about a 3 to 3.5. As the book progressed as the story went on and became extremely fascinating - this is why I rate it an overall 4)
For more book reviews and info on authors, their books and where to follow them (as well as the occasional book related youtube video) go over to my book blog now - http://ailsahindhaughabookworm4life.w...
January 30, 2015
**Audiobook provided by the Narrator for an honest review**
Book review: Eric Stark is not your typical 14-year-old in Dust, TX; he see's phantoms! This little tidbit gets poor Eric picked on and made fun of non-stop by his peers at school until Kyle moves into town. They becomes best friends despite the rumors about Eric, and Kyle stands up for him when the bullies circle. Once Eric reveals his secret to Kyle, they go off on the adventure of a lifetime to save the future of their friends, family and the whole town!
This book is one of those that you will either really like/love or really hate. The story is set in the 80's in a small town in Texas. There are lots of references along the way which brought me back in time to my own childhood. I totally fell into a comfortable cocoon with the story being as I was so relating to the time, characters and innocence. Eric was a typical teenage boy in the 80's. He played Nintendo, rode his bike to his friends house and got nervous around a pretty girl. Just normal - until the day he started seeing phantoms, but no one really believed him until Kyle came along. The fact that we didn't have cell phones and PC's, was such a nice change of pace........sigh. The whole experience was very nostalgic for me :)
Now that Kyle is in the picture, Eric feels more confident about exploring his visions of the phantoms. He starts questioning why he is the only one that see's them, what are they, where are they from and, more importantly, what do they want?! Kyle never waivers from going along with Eric which makes him such an awesome character/best friend. He is so caring and loyal to his friend with the way he stands up to the other guys that pick on him.
As the mystery starts to unfold we are introduced to Bop, the town drunk. Bop keeps making references to Eric about him "seeing them too" that he does not connect until it slaps him in the face. The boys also start to notice the increase in student absences, at the same time their parents and teachers are looking rather tired and worn down. Just when things couldn't get any creepier or weirder, Eric spies a phantom in town that he feels very strongly about exploring. Have you ever heard of curiosity killed the cat? Or opening a can of worms? Despite the fact that these phantoms Eric keeps seeing scare the crap out of him, he is compelled to investigate no matter where the clues and sightings take him. This was a wonderful paranormal suspense that is a must-share with my children!
Narrator Review: David Dietz did a wonderful job portraying an angst ridden teenage boy! Since this was my first time listening to him, at the beginning of the book, his voice did seem a little too childish for a teenager, too high pitched, BUT as you follow along in the book, I got comfy with him. That's the only way I can describe it, comfy....The voice David used did seem too much at first, but as I got into the story, and was all in with the imagining the town and the boys, the voices seem to fit Eric and Kyle perfectly. David's tone was spot on with the snarky moments and quite endearing with the more sensitive ones. I feel very confident giving David Dietz a 4 Fang rating on his narration.
Book review: Eric Stark is not your typical 14-year-old in Dust, TX; he see's phantoms! This little tidbit gets poor Eric picked on and made fun of non-stop by his peers at school until Kyle moves into town. They becomes best friends despite the rumors about Eric, and Kyle stands up for him when the bullies circle. Once Eric reveals his secret to Kyle, they go off on the adventure of a lifetime to save the future of their friends, family and the whole town!
This book is one of those that you will either really like/love or really hate. The story is set in the 80's in a small town in Texas. There are lots of references along the way which brought me back in time to my own childhood. I totally fell into a comfortable cocoon with the story being as I was so relating to the time, characters and innocence. Eric was a typical teenage boy in the 80's. He played Nintendo, rode his bike to his friends house and got nervous around a pretty girl. Just normal - until the day he started seeing phantoms, but no one really believed him until Kyle came along. The fact that we didn't have cell phones and PC's, was such a nice change of pace........sigh. The whole experience was very nostalgic for me :)
Now that Kyle is in the picture, Eric feels more confident about exploring his visions of the phantoms. He starts questioning why he is the only one that see's them, what are they, where are they from and, more importantly, what do they want?! Kyle never waivers from going along with Eric which makes him such an awesome character/best friend. He is so caring and loyal to his friend with the way he stands up to the other guys that pick on him.
As the mystery starts to unfold we are introduced to Bop, the town drunk. Bop keeps making references to Eric about him "seeing them too" that he does not connect until it slaps him in the face. The boys also start to notice the increase in student absences, at the same time their parents and teachers are looking rather tired and worn down. Just when things couldn't get any creepier or weirder, Eric spies a phantom in town that he feels very strongly about exploring. Have you ever heard of curiosity killed the cat? Or opening a can of worms? Despite the fact that these phantoms Eric keeps seeing scare the crap out of him, he is compelled to investigate no matter where the clues and sightings take him. This was a wonderful paranormal suspense that is a must-share with my children!
Narrator Review: David Dietz did a wonderful job portraying an angst ridden teenage boy! Since this was my first time listening to him, at the beginning of the book, his voice did seem a little too childish for a teenager, too high pitched, BUT as you follow along in the book, I got comfy with him. That's the only way I can describe it, comfy....The voice David used did seem too much at first, but as I got into the story, and was all in with the imagining the town and the boys, the voices seem to fit Eric and Kyle perfectly. David's tone was spot on with the snarky moments and quite endearing with the more sensitive ones. I feel very confident giving David Dietz a 4 Fang rating on his narration.
August 14, 2014
Eric Stark is a seventh grader who is picked on by classmates because he used to see phantoms. Now they call him crazy train Eric. He only has a couple of friends at school, Josh, a fat kid who still calls his mother mommy that Eric rally doesn't like all that much and his new friend Kyle Barrett.
No one but Eric can see these phantoms that Eric sees and so they think he is either crazy or very imaginative. His parents have taken him to see a psychologist. He has seen the creatures since he was 8 years old. Now he doesn't admit to seeing them anymore because he doesn't want to be thought of as strange. But still he gets picked on. The only one who believes him is the town drunk and Kyle.
I didn't care much for the first part of the book when we were introduced to the characters because the adults in the story didn't seem to do anything about the bullying. The parents also swore at their children which I felt was wrong. Then Kyle and Eric were sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night to pull pranks on the townspeople. It seemed to me they were hoodlums in the making. I almost gave up reading the book. I'm glad I didn't.
Eric decided he had to figure out once and for all if he was crazy or not, so he and Kyle head to the local theatre that has been long abandoned and where a young girl disappeared from 5 years before. This is where the adventure really begins and the book takes flight.
From this point on the book is fast-paced and exciting. It was hard to put down and was a great read. Eric and Kyle demonstrated undecided loyalty to each other like the blood brothers they were. Through all the strange things that happened they stuck together and had one another's backs. They were resourceful but through it all they still remained the teenaged boys the author had set their characters up to be in the first part of the book. We just got to see the side of them that came out when under pressure and when necessity required.
Vanished From Dust is definitely part one of a series for the story doesn't end with this book. I hit the right side of my iPad several times trying to turn the page before I realized I was at the end of it. Hopefully it won't be long before book 2 is out because I want to find out what happens to these boys who have vanished from dust,
Due to the language the boys used and the other things I mentioned about the first part of the book, I am giving Vanished From Dust 3 stars out of 5. The second half of the book definitely rates higher than 3 stars but the first half pulls it down.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
No one but Eric can see these phantoms that Eric sees and so they think he is either crazy or very imaginative. His parents have taken him to see a psychologist. He has seen the creatures since he was 8 years old. Now he doesn't admit to seeing them anymore because he doesn't want to be thought of as strange. But still he gets picked on. The only one who believes him is the town drunk and Kyle.
I didn't care much for the first part of the book when we were introduced to the characters because the adults in the story didn't seem to do anything about the bullying. The parents also swore at their children which I felt was wrong. Then Kyle and Eric were sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night to pull pranks on the townspeople. It seemed to me they were hoodlums in the making. I almost gave up reading the book. I'm glad I didn't.
Eric decided he had to figure out once and for all if he was crazy or not, so he and Kyle head to the local theatre that has been long abandoned and where a young girl disappeared from 5 years before. This is where the adventure really begins and the book takes flight.
From this point on the book is fast-paced and exciting. It was hard to put down and was a great read. Eric and Kyle demonstrated undecided loyalty to each other like the blood brothers they were. Through all the strange things that happened they stuck together and had one another's backs. They were resourceful but through it all they still remained the teenaged boys the author had set their characters up to be in the first part of the book. We just got to see the side of them that came out when under pressure and when necessity required.
Vanished From Dust is definitely part one of a series for the story doesn't end with this book. I hit the right side of my iPad several times trying to turn the page before I realized I was at the end of it. Hopefully it won't be long before book 2 is out because I want to find out what happens to these boys who have vanished from dust,
Due to the language the boys used and the other things I mentioned about the first part of the book, I am giving Vanished From Dust 3 stars out of 5. The second half of the book definitely rates higher than 3 stars but the first half pulls it down.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
October 7, 2014
I went into this novel not really knowing what to expect but on a recommendation and reading blurb. First off I most generally read novels with adults as the main characters with adult genre so this was a breath of fresh air. You go into meeting right away Eric and the torment he is receiving from fellow classmates is due to what he sees. They also say he is "going off the rails,crazy train" Like mentioned in the book right away I think of the song from years ago. But soon a new kid sticks up for him on his first day-Kyle to the rescue. Months later these two have become friends but it still is the perception that Eric is crazy. Even though Eric has tried to put it behind him others will not let it go. What is it that got him into this boat, it is what he sees and he thinks he is the only one that can. You go along with these two pals being familiarized with their family and the adventures boys this age do. But it seems to be happening again but their is someone else in town that knows he sees and what he sees. He is also warned that no good will come of it. There is also a girl that has gone missing years ago and is still spoken of to this day in whispers. Her name pops up again. Kara will prove to be very important later on with these boys finding out the answer to her mystery. As you go further into this novel things begin to exculate with strange things happening more and more. Things begin to feel off with people in town and some are all of a sudden tired and growing more so. The town drunk is now dead being it would seem in the one key place that haunts Eric. The phantoms are now speaking and calling him a certain key phrase that he will soon learn exactly what that means. Something very strange also happened to this town in cycles years ago it started that at times many died from a mystery. That is the exciting part of this novel- mystery with fantasy with a touch of paranormal. Very meaty story with hopping events. No chance of boredom or the mundane in this novel because I can not recall ever reading anything similar to this with having many years to my reading. Both Eric and Kyle are soon transported somewhere else where in order to survive they must learn quickly the secrets to where they are and all things that are there with them. They must also race against time to find a way out or be forever lost or worse. Quite thrilling to follow along with these two in their quest with the author being able to have you literally hanging on to your seat or holding your breath. But just when you think all is going to be alright this author has the twist out of the blue for you to be zapped with. Squelly wonderful fantastic reading. Received a arc for a honest review.
September 30, 2015
{My Thoughts} – Eric is a teachers son that has an unusual talent. He can see phantom like creatures and have been able to since he was around eight years-old. A lot of the other kids in his town make fun of him and call him “Crazy Train Eric” because of it. He does however, have a few friends: Josh is a oversized boy with a stutter that still needs to grow up and mature a lot and then Kyle who his first few days after moving to town had stood up for Eric and they have been friends since.
Eric and Josh have a friendship that is of convenience. If Eric can’t be with Kyle then he opts to hang out with Josh. I don’t think it is fair to Josh, but like Eric I don’t think he has many options available as friends or he may not understand that Eric is in a sense using him.
Kyle and Eric have a lot in common. They both like two girls that are friends, they both accept each other for who the other is, they both like nintendo, and they both like to cause mischief. I am not sure which is the ringleader in most cases, but I believe it to be Kyle coming up with many of the plans they follow through on.
As mentioned before Eric sees phantoms or demon like creatures. These creatures seem to be only seen by him and another character in the book named Bop. Bop is more or less the town drunk and he is always saying things that make Eric believe he can see them too.
Eric decides that since when he is out at night with Kyle they go near the old theater in town. He notices a phantom looking out a window back at him and discovers that he has to go back there. He has to find out if he is crazy or not and if the phantoms he sees or real.
Once you get to this point the story picks up a lot. I was having problems wanting to keep reading the book because it was slow going. However, it got better, the story background had been laid out and it just got really good. I had problems wanting to stop reading it at this point.
Eric and Kyle are best friends. They are blood brother. They are resourceful, they keep their heads together and they work well together under pressure. They understand that any choice they make can effect the outcome of their survival so they are careful and try not to make to many lapses in judgment.
I enjoyed this book even the reading the beginning was some what of a struggle. I had started it on the 9th and ended it today on the 14th, it usually doesn’t take me this long to read a 300ish page book, but like I said the beginning was a struggle. If you don’t mind a slow beginning that works up to something brilliant I am positive you will enjoy this book.
I look forward to continuing the adventure of these boys in book two!
Eric and Josh have a friendship that is of convenience. If Eric can’t be with Kyle then he opts to hang out with Josh. I don’t think it is fair to Josh, but like Eric I don’t think he has many options available as friends or he may not understand that Eric is in a sense using him.
Kyle and Eric have a lot in common. They both like two girls that are friends, they both accept each other for who the other is, they both like nintendo, and they both like to cause mischief. I am not sure which is the ringleader in most cases, but I believe it to be Kyle coming up with many of the plans they follow through on.
As mentioned before Eric sees phantoms or demon like creatures. These creatures seem to be only seen by him and another character in the book named Bop. Bop is more or less the town drunk and he is always saying things that make Eric believe he can see them too.
Eric decides that since when he is out at night with Kyle they go near the old theater in town. He notices a phantom looking out a window back at him and discovers that he has to go back there. He has to find out if he is crazy or not and if the phantoms he sees or real.
Once you get to this point the story picks up a lot. I was having problems wanting to keep reading the book because it was slow going. However, it got better, the story background had been laid out and it just got really good. I had problems wanting to stop reading it at this point.
Eric and Kyle are best friends. They are blood brother. They are resourceful, they keep their heads together and they work well together under pressure. They understand that any choice they make can effect the outcome of their survival so they are careful and try not to make to many lapses in judgment.
I enjoyed this book even the reading the beginning was some what of a struggle. I had started it on the 9th and ended it today on the 14th, it usually doesn’t take me this long to read a 300ish page book, but like I said the beginning was a struggle. If you don’t mind a slow beginning that works up to something brilliant I am positive you will enjoy this book.
I look forward to continuing the adventure of these boys in book two!
April 19, 2015
I was gifted this audio book for free in exchange for a full and honest review, thank you David :○)
Okay so 1st of all the narration, it was good, not brilliant, but okay.
I could clearly distinguish the different characters and voices and I wasn't scratching my head wondering who was talking.
The book?
Hmmm I have to say that it wasn't my favourite I'm afraid, it was too young adult for me, I love YA but the tone of the book made it feel like it was a couple of very young boys, and it was they were 14, but something just didn't gel with me about the story.
Eric is a loner, a nobody, a freak, a "crazy train" the reason for this? He sees things, phantoms to be precise, he has been to a councillor for this, and because of this he is a target for bullies.
Apart from the local drunk no one believes Erik about his phantoms.
Every day he is targeted, that is until Kyle turns up, he tells the bullies where to go and they become firm friends, blood brothers!
They do the usual things that 14yr old do, play Nintendo (remember Duck Hunt?) play knock-a-door Ginger while sneaking out of their bedrooms at night, and stealing tobacco from their brothers wardrobe "just to try it"
People start to grow increasingly tired in the town and some completely disappear, and Erik is the key to the whole thing!
I would love to say that I really enjoyed it, but as I was given the book for an honest review that is what I will do.
Unfortunately I won't be reading book #2 in the series.
Okay so 1st of all the narration, it was good, not brilliant, but okay.
I could clearly distinguish the different characters and voices and I wasn't scratching my head wondering who was talking.
The book?
Hmmm I have to say that it wasn't my favourite I'm afraid, it was too young adult for me, I love YA but the tone of the book made it feel like it was a couple of very young boys, and it was they were 14, but something just didn't gel with me about the story.
Eric is a loner, a nobody, a freak, a "crazy train" the reason for this? He sees things, phantoms to be precise, he has been to a councillor for this, and because of this he is a target for bullies.
Apart from the local drunk no one believes Erik about his phantoms.
Every day he is targeted, that is until Kyle turns up, he tells the bullies where to go and they become firm friends, blood brothers!
They do the usual things that 14yr old do, play Nintendo (remember Duck Hunt?) play knock-a-door Ginger while sneaking out of their bedrooms at night, and stealing tobacco from their brothers wardrobe "just to try it"
People start to grow increasingly tired in the town and some completely disappear, and Erik is the key to the whole thing!
I would love to say that I really enjoyed it, but as I was given the book for an honest review that is what I will do.
Unfortunately I won't be reading book #2 in the series.
March 15, 2016
I really enjoyed Vanished from Dust. The media kit includes the following: The Vanished from Dust series is perfect for anyone who craves a hair-raising thriller packed with mystery and suspense. This paranormal story for young adults can be compared to Stand by Me, mixed with Odd Thomas, and a twist of The Dark Tower. I agree completely.
This was a fun adventure/ coming of age/ paranormal mystery story with enough plot twists and suspense to keep any reader's attention. The characters are very well developed, and the setting of Dust, TX is vividly described. The original plot is very well crafted and fast paced. I enjoyed the author's writing style, and this is the kind of story that grips you early and does not let go. While geared for teens and young adults, this story of friendship, secrets and paranormal activity will be fun for every reader.
I loved the friendship between Eric and Kyle, and their adventures were a joy to read - I look forward to reading more from the series.
This was a fun adventure/ coming of age/ paranormal mystery story with enough plot twists and suspense to keep any reader's attention. The characters are very well developed, and the setting of Dust, TX is vividly described. The original plot is very well crafted and fast paced. I enjoyed the author's writing style, and this is the kind of story that grips you early and does not let go. While geared for teens and young adults, this story of friendship, secrets and paranormal activity will be fun for every reader.
I loved the friendship between Eric and Kyle, and their adventures were a joy to read - I look forward to reading more from the series.
September 29, 2014
Having only read Odd Thomas in the above listed book comparisons, I was still very interested in reading Vanished From Dust. I was disappointed as I was quickly pulled into a story about a boy who could see something no one else could. The small town setting with small town gossip was perfect to build up Eric's need for answers. I loved how realistic the characters were for the time that the book was set. Parts of the book made me smile as I could relate them to my own childhood.
Vanished From Dust is an exciting and fast paced book full of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen next. The characters were well written and relate-able. I think young adult readers will love this book. I know I am ready to find out what happens next. I wasn't ready for the end.
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.
Vanished From Dust is an exciting and fast paced book full of suspense. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen next. The characters were well written and relate-able. I think young adult readers will love this book. I know I am ready to find out what happens next. I wasn't ready for the end.
I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.
August 10, 2014
A small town in Texas, home of Eric Stark a fourteen year old boy that is bullied after he told people he sees phantoms, not long after Kyle Barret moves into the town and he defends Eric, that is the start of a heart warming friendship. Eric and Kyle find out that there is something going on in the town, they decide to find out what it is and try to solve it.
It all starts when Eric sees a dark shadow in the abandonment theater in town, one night the boys decide to investigate, soon dark beings are around them, question is ill they survive and be able to safe the dark beings?......
Great Paranormal book, good story and a warm friendship, lovable characters, and much more, a Must read! suitable for YA
It all starts when Eric sees a dark shadow in the abandonment theater in town, one night the boys decide to investigate, soon dark beings are around them, question is ill they survive and be able to safe the dark beings?......
Great Paranormal book, good story and a warm friendship, lovable characters, and much more, a Must read! suitable for YA
September 21, 2016
I'm stopping at about half-way through. The writing isn't very well done, mediocre at best. The audio isn't helping at all. It is a short book, but still there are so many other books, time is too short to continue.
I did get this book for free from the narrator. Unfortunately, I didn't like the narration either. There were a few points it sounded unprofessional. For instance one chapter started with an "oops" and a little sound that could have been edited out. The various boys all sounded the same, not much differentiation which didn't help since the author didn't write enough depth about the characters either.
In any case this will likely be the last audio for free review for me, as the few I've received have not gone too well.
I did get this book for free from the narrator. Unfortunately, I didn't like the narration either. There were a few points it sounded unprofessional. For instance one chapter started with an "oops" and a little sound that could have been edited out. The various boys all sounded the same, not much differentiation which didn't help since the author didn't write enough depth about the characters either.
In any case this will likely be the last audio for free review for me, as the few I've received have not gone too well.
August 1, 2016
This was an exciting book with a perfect set up at the end for another book in the series. Fans of time travel and the supernatural will like this. The main characters, 14-year-old outcast boys, are likeable and well-developed. I liked the portrayal of their friendship. I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by David Dietz. He does a good job with the character differentiation and the stuttering of one of the characters. The pacing was good and the story was exciting. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Want to read
June 5, 2015Vanished??
This book did keep me intrigued. Kyle and Eric are your normal high school boys sneaking out and having fun. But Eric he can see things? Kyle doesn't care he's friends with him anyway. The boys are just having another night out and then something strange happens, what is it, I don't want to ruin the book for anyone but it will make you want to know how everything ends.
This book did keep me intrigued. Kyle and Eric are your normal high school boys sneaking out and having fun. But Eric he can see things? Kyle doesn't care he's friends with him anyway. The boys are just having another night out and then something strange happens, what is it, I don't want to ruin the book for anyone but it will make you want to know how everything ends.
August 9, 2014
What a wonderfully strange and inventive premise. It is a great mix of science fiction and the pain and joy of adolescence. The ending is shocking and will invest the reader in the series. It is incredibly creepy for a YA book and it elicits a fear response that can compare favorably to some of the best of Stephen King's writing. It is incredibly realistic for a book about an alternate reality and there is enough room in this storyline for many interesting books.
November 5, 2013
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.
I read this in one sitting. I loved this book and hope there is another in the works! It's well written, is a great story, and has interesting characters. I won't go into details because I'll get carried away with spoilers.
All I will say is, this is seriously a book you really need to read!
I read this in one sitting. I loved this book and hope there is another in the works! It's well written, is a great story, and has interesting characters. I won't go into details because I'll get carried away with spoilers.
All I will say is, this is seriously a book you really need to read!
August 5, 2014
If you enjoy young adult fiction, I definitely recommend Vanished from Dust by Shea Norwood. It does touch on a few sensitive topics so I might reserve this for younger high school kids rather than pre-teens. It’s an easy read that I had a hard time putting down. Definitely a great book and I cannot wait for the next one!
November 14, 2014
~Received For Honest Review~
Enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Enough to keep you guessing when you think you have it all figured out. Enough to keep you wrapped up into this book. Shea Norwood took a plot and characters and made them into a easy to follow, easy to read, fast paced thrill!
Enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. Enough to keep you guessing when you think you have it all figured out. Enough to keep you wrapped up into this book. Shea Norwood took a plot and characters and made them into a easy to follow, easy to read, fast paced thrill!
December 24, 2014
I just finished Vanished From Dust bk 1.I TOTALLY enjoyed this book!The storyline was interesting,and though it may be considered a YA book,this A liked it a lot.David Dietz did a grand job with all the voices.Poor Erik Stark is always called crazy,he's not,really.He sees things and this leads to a rather unwanted adventure.At least I now know why I'm tired all the time.
March 8, 2015
Very unique and exciting.
Totally entertaining. Hopefully there will be more. Based in the title, there are supposed to be more. I will definitely purchase them. Theocpowell@gmail.com
Totally entertaining. Hopefully there will be more. Based in the title, there are supposed to be more. I will definitely purchase them. Theocpowell@gmail.com
September 2, 2014
So far so good, but....
I live in Texas, have for years. Grew up in Colorado, lived in CA, PA, OH and AZ. Never, ever have I, or anyone I have seen, put ketchup on a burrito. Know the characters are boys, but .... Good story line thus far, but sheesh, really?
I live in Texas, have for years. Grew up in Colorado, lived in CA, PA, OH and AZ. Never, ever have I, or anyone I have seen, put ketchup on a burrito. Know the characters are boys, but .... Good story line thus far, but sheesh, really?
December 18, 2013
My students really enjoyed the mystery and suspense this book has to offer. A definite page turner for students to read.
September 24, 2014
Review coming soon
February 28, 2015
I kept reading, figuring it would get really fun when the action started. That was when it didn't get really fun.
March 21, 2015
This book was ok. I had a hard time getting into it. Found it pretty slow going, I am not going into it but I did not like the ending, it felt unfinished to me.
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